Emmett Kelley, Jr.

Lansing, Michigan

The sun rose on February 2, 1945, in Blytheville, Arkansas, and God gave Victoria and Emmett Kelley, Sr. the responsibility of nurturing one of His precious children, Emmett Kelley, Jr., as the next to the oldest son of the family.

God looked around his earthly garden, saw a flower that was looking very tired and weary. God decided he needed that flower for his heavenly garden, and he spoke to Emmett, and said come on home to rest. Emmett closed his eyes on July 25, 2016, and went to be with God.

He was taught how to be a leader and the head of the household. He was taught that family is everything. In his early years, he worked as a bell hop at the Noble Hotel in Blytheville. In August of 1966, Emmett served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He received the Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. After serving in Vietnam, Emmett worked for Michigan State University as a baker and then in the Physical Plant as a plumber for ten years. In the early 1990s, Emmett was employed by the State of Michigan as a plumber and later as the assistant chief for the plumbing division.

Emmett was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Kattie and Grandville Johnson, Sr.; and siblings, Katie, James and ElRoy. He leaves to cherish his precious memory: his wife, Almeta Kelley; 3 children, Emmett Sean (Kristy) Kelley of Florida, Eric (Shaneka) Mask of Michigan, Erica Kelley of Ohio; 2 stepdaughters, Andrea and Cierra Kent of Michigan; 5 brothers, Walter Kelley of California, John Kelley of Ohio, Robert (Loir) Kelley of Texas, Earnest Kelley of Michigan, and William Kelley of Arkansas; 2 sisters, Dorothy (Rev. Theodis) Rucker of Arkansas and Rosa Williams of Chicago; and 4 special sisters-in-law, Deborah Brooks of Arkansas, Eulaha Adams, Christeen Cherry and Ernestine Taylor, all of Michigan.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. His family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

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8 Messages to “Emmett Kelley, Jr.

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Toshia williams
July 26, 2016 at 6:35 pm

I know that God has gained another good Angel RIH Uncle you will be missed I love. You and I know I will see you on the other side .

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Jessie McCoy-Mask
July 26, 2016 at 7:47 pm

A man who truly saw the good in everyone. I am honored to have not only met him, but to have called him my father; the “in-law” part never mattered much to him at all. He genuinely accepted me and my children as family and was the greatest example of a man I had ever witnessed. I’m sure he is an angel looking over all of his loved ones, for he was already one during his time here on Earth. Dad, you are greatly appreciated and loved. As I would always say before our departure, “until next time, young man….”.

It is never goodbye. I will see you later! xo

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Robert Konyndyk
July 26, 2016 at 8:56 pm

Emmett and I worked together for several years managing state plumbing inspections and the licensing of Michigan’s over 10,000 licensed plumbers. He loved his profession and served honorably.

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Leidra Kelly
July 26, 2016 at 9:34 pm

Leidra kelley, Jakalon kelley, Jamarcus Ramsey

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Veronia saxon..
July 27, 2016 at 1:11 am

uncle emmett.. You know i love you like no other.. You were there for my through EVERYTHING.. there was a point of time people woulda thought i was yo child.. omg.. It woulda been wonderful for you to have seen me walk across the stage.. But ig God had other plans.. But i promis ima make it.. Ima make you proud.. I love you soooo much..

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valerie Smith
July 27, 2016 at 1:42 am

This was one on the greatest man I know my heart is broken but I know u in a better place love u uncle…

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Valarie Milligan
July 27, 2016 at 11:43 am

You will be remembered, always.

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Barbara Patterson
August 1, 2016 at 7:07 pm

I will truly miss my Uncle. He is the strongest and bravest man I know He had a way of making you feel special Even though he knew how much I loved him I didn’t get a chance to repay him for all the times he was there for me. May you rest in love , peace and heaven Uncle Emmitt Until we meet again

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